Between flange journaled ball valve assembly

ABSTRACT

A valve assembly, particularly useful between flanges, which utilizes a housing unit and a separate valve unit. The housing unit provides a supporting housing adapted to be supported between the flanges, and includes a valve operator and a first valve stem. The valve unit is sized to be removable lengthwise from the housing unit, and includes a valve member which is journaled in the valve body.

United States Patent inventor Dome:- Scaramucci 3245 S. Hallie, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73129 Appl. No. 817,435

Filed Apr. 18, 1969 Patented Aug. 17, 1971 Continuatiomin-part of application Ser. No. 763,644, Sept. 30, 1968.

BETWEEN FLANGE JOURNALED BALL VALVE ASSEMBLY 23 Claims, 13 Drawing Figs.

U.S.Cl 251/151, 251/315 Int. Cl Fl6k 5/06 Field of Search 137/375, 74,4542; 251/148, 151, 152, 305, 306, 307, 308, 315, 175, 309

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,034,216 3/1936 Stout etal 251/175 X 2,385,510 9/1945 Harwood..... 251/306 3,1 18,465 1/1964 Scaramucci. 137/4542 3,398,925 8/1968 Scaramucci 251/148 Primary Examiner-William R. Cline Attorney-Dunlap, Leney, l-lessin & Dougherty PATENTEDAUSI'IBII 3,599,932

SHEET 4 [1F 5 E1 i E. 1C]

iEE.E

INVENTOIL 00,445; 561484114066;

ATTOP/VEYS PATENTED AUG] 7197:

SHEET 5 [IF 5 wmm INVI'IN'I'OII.

ATTOP/VEYS BETWEEN FLANGE JOURNALED BALL VALVE ASSEMBLY C ROSS-REFERENC E TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This is a continuation-impart of applicants copending application entitled Valve Asembly With Insertable Valve Unit," Ser. No. 763,644 filed Sept. 30, I968, and related subject matter is disclosed in applicant's copending application entitled Valve Assembly With Drop-Type Stern, Ser. No. 781.3 l0, filed Dec. 5, 1968.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to an improved valve assembly utilizing a housing unit and a separate valve unit, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved valve assembly utilizing a housing unit and a separate valve unit wherein the valve member is journaled in the valve body.

2. Description of the Prior Art In the applicant's copending applications, referred to above, there was disclosed a valve assembly having a separate, insertable and interchangeable valve unit. In these applications, the valve member was of the type generally known in the art as a floating valve member. There exists many applications in the industry where it is desirable to have a valve member journaled in the valve body, so that the thrust created by a pressure differential existing across the valve member is carried by thevalve body rather than the valve seats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention contemplates a valve assembly for controlling the control of fluid through adjacent pipe sections which includes a housing unit comprising a housing having a bore extending therethrough and a first valve stem joumaled in the housing. The housing is adapted to be supported between the adjacent ends of the pipe sections. The valve unit, which is insertable in the housing, comprises a valve body, having a valve chamber therein communicating with the opposite ends of the valve body, and means sealing the opposite ends of the valve body to the adjacent pipe sections to direct the flow of fluid from the pipe section through the valve chamber in the valve body. A ball valve member is supported in the valve chamber for opening and closing the valve assembly. A second valve stem is connected to the valve ball and is journaled in the valve body. The second valve stem is adapted to be connected to the first valve stem when the valve unit is inserted in the housing unit for transmitting the movement of the first valve stem to the valve ball. A third valve stem is connected to the valve ball and is also joumaled in the valve body. The second valve stem and the third valve stem are disposed such that the thrust resulting from a pressure differential being applied across the valve ball member is carried by the valve body. The valve unit also includes a seat to provide a seal between the valve body and the valve member when the valve member is in a closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a valve assembly, assembled between two flanges.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1 taken substantially along the lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but illustrating a modified valve assembly.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 3 taken substantially along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of the valve unit of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 3, but showing the side body components separated or in a nonassembled position.

FIG. 6 is a view of the valve unit of FIG. 5 taken substantially along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of the valve unit of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 3, but showing the side body components in an assembled position.

FIG. 8 is a view of the valve unit of FIG. 7 taken substantially along the lines 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating another modified valve assembly.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 9. taken substantially along the lines 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a modified valve assembly assembled between two flanges.

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 11, taken substantially along the lines 12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 11 but illustrating only a portion of another modified valve assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings in detail, and to FIGS I and 2 in particular, reference character 10 generally designates a valve assembly basically comprising a housing unit 12 and a valve unit 14. The valve assembly 10 is disposed generally between flanges l6 and 18. Each of the flanges l6 and 18 includes an end face 20 or 22, and a threaded opening 24 or 26, respectively. The threaded openings 24 and 26 are axially aligned and sized to receive the threaded ends of adjacent sections of conduit (not shown).

The housing unit 12 includes a tubular housing 28 having opposite end faces 30 and 32, and a bore 38 extending therethrough. A flange portion 36 is formed on the outer periphery of the housing 28 and, as shown more clearly in FIG. 2, four holes 38 are provided therethrough. The housing unit 12, the valve unit 14 and the flanges 16 and 18 are held in assembled relationship by a plurality of circumferentially spaced threaded bolts 40 that extend through the flanges I6 and 18, and through the holes 38 of the housing 28. Each of the bolts 40 is provided with a pair of threaded nuts 42 that engage the flanges I6 and 18.

A slot 44 is formed in the housing 28 along the top of the bore 34, for purposes which will become more apparent hereinafter. An aperture 46 extends transversely through the housing 28, intersecting the slot 44. The aperture 46 is provided with a counterbore adjacent its intersection with the slot 44, thereby providing a planarsurface 48 in the housing 28.

A first valve stem 50 is journaled in the housing 28 and extends through the transversely extending aperture 46. Thus the centerline of the first valve stem 50 extends at a right angle to the centerline of the bore 34 of the housing 28. The first valve stem 50 includes a lower flange portion 52 that engages the downwardly facing surface 48 in the housing 28, encircling the aperture 46, to limit the upward movement of the first valve stem 50, in the aperture 46. A slot 54 is formed in the flange portion 52 of first valve stem 50, for reasons which will become more apparent hereinafter.

The upper portion 56 of the first valve stem 50 is adapted to receive and cooperate with a valve handle or other suitable operator (not shown) for turning the valve stem 50 of housing unit 12 and thereby rotating a valve member from a fully open to a fully closed position, as will be more fully described hereinafter. As well known in the art, various forms of valve handles and connections may be used. In one form, for example, the handle is connected to the upper portion 56 of the first valve stem 50 by a pin, and includes a lug portion that is engageable with a pair of abutments on the housing 28 to limit the rotational movement of the handle and the interconnected valve member to approximately A groove 58 is formed in the upper portion 56 of the first valve stem 50 and a retaining ring 60 is disposed in the groove 58 to limit the downward movement of the first valve stem 50 of the housing unit 12 in the aperture 46 of the housing 28.

The inner periphery of end faces 30 and 32 of the housing 28 are provided with champhers 62 to more easily accommodate the installation of the valve unit 14 which will be more fully described hereinafter.

The valve unit 14 includes a valve body 64 having an outer periphery 66 sized to slidingly fit lengthwise into the bore 34 of the housing 28, and having opposite end faces 68 and 70. A bore 72 extends through the valve body 64 intersecting the end faces 68 and 70 to form the valve chamber of the valve. (iounterbores 74 and 76 are fonned in the valve body 64 adyacent the end faces 68 and 70 respectively. An upper aperture 78 extends transversely through the valve body 64 intersecting the bore 72. A lower aperture 80 extends transversely through the valve body 64 and also intersects the bore 72. In a preferred form, the upper and lower apertures 78 and 80 are aligned.

A valve ball member 82 is disposed in the bore 72 of the valve body 64. The valve ball 82 has a port 84 extending therethrough. When the valve ball 82 is in the open position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the port 84 of valve ball 82 is axially aligned with the threaded openings 24 and 26 of flanges 16 and 18 respectively.

An upper and a lower aperture 86 and 88 extend through the valve ball 82, and each aperture 86 and 88 intersects the exterior surface and the port 84 of the valve ball 82. In a preferred form, the apertures 86 and 88 are in alignment. The exterior surface of the ball valve 82 generally adjacent the apertures 86 and 88 is substantially flat, for reasons which will be made more apparent hereinafter.

A second valve stem 90 extends upwardly from the valve ball 82 through the upper aperture 78 of the valve body 64, and is joumaled therein. A rectangular end 92 is formed on the uppermost end portion of the second valve stem 90, and is shaped to interconnectingly fit into the slot 54 of the first valve stem 50 when the valve assembly is in an assembled position, as shown in F108. 1 and 2.

A lowermost end portion 94 of the second valve stem 90 is sized to matingly and slidingly fit in the upper aperture 86 in the valve ball 82, and a downwardly facing surface 96 is formed around the second alve stem 90 between the uppermost end 92 and the lowermost end portion 94 thereof. In an assembled position the lowermost end portion 94 extends into the upper aperture 86 to a position wherein the downwardly facing surface 96 engages the flat portion of the exterior surface of the valve ball 82 adjacent the upper aperture 86. In this position, the lowennost end portion 94 is secured in the upper aperture 86.

A recess 97 is formed around the second valve stem 90 between the downwardly facing surface 96 and the uppermost end portion 92 thereof. The recess 97 provides a second downwardly facing surface 99 around the second valve stem 90.

A third valve stem 98 extends downwardly from the valve ball 82 through the lower aperture 80 of the valve body 64, and is joumaled therein. A conical-shaped portion 100 is formed on a lowermost end portion 102 ofthe third valve stem 98, and is provided with an end point or apex 104. In an assembled position, when the valve unit 14 is inserted in the housing 28, the apex 104 of the third valve stem 98 is in engagement with the housing 28.

The uppermost end portion 106 of the third valve stem 98 is sized to fit in the lower aperture 88 in the valve ball 82, and an upwardly facing surface 108 is formed around the third valve stem 98 between the uppermost end portion 106 and the lowermost end portion 102 thereof. In an assembled position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lowermost end 102 isjoumaled in the lower aperture 80 of the body 64 to a position wherein the upwardly facing surface 108 engages the flat portion of the exterior surface of the valve ball 82 adjacent the lower aperture 88. In this position, the uppermost end portion 106 is secured in the lower aperture 88 of the ball 82.

A recess 109 is formed around the third valve stem 98 between the upwardly facing surface 108 and the lowermost end portion 102 thereof. The recess 109 provides a second upwardly facing surface 111 around the third valve stem 98.

A composite seat 110, which is formed of an elastomerictype material, is bonded to the walls of the bore 72 and the counterbores 74 and 76 of the valve body 64. The ends 112 and 114 of the composite seat 110, in a preferred form, project axially outwardly beyond the ends 68 and 70 of the valve body 64, for reasons which will be made more apparent hereinafter.

The seat 110 surrounds a portion of second and third stems 90 and 98, and is provided with surfaces 116, 118, 120 and 122 which sealingly engage such stems. The interior surface 124 of the seat 110 is sized to sealingly engage the exterior surface of the valve ball 82, including the flat portions thereof.

In a preferred form the second and third valve stems 90 and 98 and the exterior surface of the valve ball 82 are treated with a substance to prevent the bonding of the elastomeric seat thereto, and the composite seat 110 is then formed with the valve ball 82 and the second and third valve stems 90 and 98 in the assembled position in the valve body 64, thereby providing a unitary structure which can be inserted lengthwise into the housing 28 of the housing unit 12, as will be described hereinafter.

OPERATION OF FIGS. 1 AND 2 As previously mentioned, the valve assembly 10 basically comprises two units; the housing unit 12, and the valve unit 14. The valve unit 14 will slide lengthwise into the bore 34 of the housing unit 12, the outer periphery 66 of the valve unit 14 being sized to slidingly fit into the bore 34 of the housing 12.

The valve unit 14 is constructed as a separate component of the valve assembly 10 by placing the valve ball 82 in the valve body 64. The second valve stem 90 is then inserted through the upper aperture 78 and the third valve stem 98 is inserted through the lower aperture of the valve body 64. The lowermost end portion 94 of the second valve stem is disposed in the upper aperture 86 of the valve ball 82 to a position wherein the downwardly facing surface 96 engages the flat portion of the exterior surface of the valve ball 82 adjacent the upper aperture 86. The uppermost end portion 106 of the third valve stem 98 is disposed in the lower aperture 88 to a position wherein the upwardly facing surface 108 engages the flat portion of the exterior surface of the valve ball adjacent the lower aperture 88.

ln this position, the lowermost end portion 94 of the second valve stem 90 and the uppermost end portion 106 of the third valve stem 98 are secured, as by welding, to the walls of the upper and lower aperture 86 and 88, respectively, of the valve ball 82. Since the valve unit 14 is constructed as a separate unit, the valve unit 14 may be positioned in any particular orientation to facilitate the securing of the second and third valve stems 90 and 98 to the valve ball 82. The port 84 of the valve ball 82 provides ample access to the apertures 86 and 88 therein, so that the second and third valve stems 90 and 98 may be secured as described above. After the valve stems 90 and 98 have been secured in place, the composite seat is molded to the valve body 64, in a manner as described before. The complete valve unit 14 may now be inserted into the housing unit 1.

As the valve unit 14 is slid into the housing unit 12, the rectangular end 92 of second valve stem 90 will basically travel in the area provided by the slot 44 of the housing 28. The rectangular end 92 of the second valve stem 90 is sized to interconnectingly fit into the slot 54 of the first valve stem 50. Thus, in the operating position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the uppermost end 92 of second valve stem 90 is aligned with the first valve stem 50 of housing unit 12, and the rectangular end 92 thereof is disposed in slot 54 of first valve stem 50.

The flanges 16 and 18 are then disposed on opposite ends of the valve unit 14 and the housing unit 12, and the assembly, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is held in an assembled relationship by the bolts 40, which extend through the flanges 16 and 18 and through the holes 38 of 'the housing 28. The valve assembly 10 is secured in this position by the nuts 42 which are disposed on opposite ends of the bolts 40.

As the nuts 42 are tightened, the end faces 20 and 22 of the flanges 16 and 18 will engage the respective end faces 68 and 70 of the valve body 64, and will also abut the respective end faces 30 and 32 of housing 28. It is apparent that since the ends H2 and 114 of the elastomer 110 protrude beyond the respective end faces 68 and 70 of the valve body 64, that the ends 112 and 114 will be compressed by the flanges I6 and 18 as the nuts 42 are tightened, and will sealingly engage the end faces 20 and 22 of the flanges I6 and I8, thereby preventing the leakage of fluid between the valve body 64 and the flanges l6 and I8.

The turning movement of the valve handle is transmitted to the valve ball 82 through the interconnection at the rectangular end 92 of the second valve stem 90 and the slot 54 of the first valve stem 50. The valve ball 82 may thus be rotated from an open position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, to the closed position (not shown). As the valve ball 82 is rotated the third valve stem 98 of the valve unit 14 will rotate following the rotational movement of the valve ball 82. The third valve stem 98 will rotate on the apex 164 thereof which is in engagement with the housing 28.

In all positions of the valve ball 82, the fluid is isolated from the housing unit 12 by the composite seat 110 sealingly engaging the end faces 20 and 22 of the flanges l6 and I8 and the second and third valve stem 90 and 98. With respect to the second and third valve stems 90 and 98, the surfaces 116 and 118 of the elastomeric seat 110 will sealingly engage the second valve stem 98, and the surfaces 120 and 122 of the elastomeric seat 110 will sealingly engage the third valve stem 98. It should be noted that the surfaces 118 and 120 of the elastomeric seat 110 will engage the recesses 97 and 109, respectively, in the second and third valve stems 90 and 98, and the portions of the elastomeric seat 110 generally adjacent the surfaces 118 and 120 will engage the downwardly facing surface 97 and the upwardly facing surface I09, respectively, to augment the sealing engagement between the elastomeric seat 110 and the second and third valve stems 90 and 98, respectively. It is apparent from the foregoing that sealing engagement between the elastomeric seat 110 and the second and third valve stems 90 and 98 will be pressure augmerited.

Since the components of the housing unit 12 will not be in contact with the fluid flowing through the valve, the housing unit I4 may be constructed of any material, such as cast iron or cast steel, the main considerations being the strength and economical construction of the vaive assembly 10.

It is therefore apparent that the material used in the construction of the valve unit 14 may be kept to a minimum. Should replacement or repair of the valve unit 14 become necessary, the valve unit 14 is simply slipped out of the housing unit 12 and a new valve unit is inserted, thereby facilitating replacement and repair of the valve unit in the field. This procedure requires less downtime in the field.

When the valve ball 82 is in the closed position no fluid will flow through the valve since the exterior surface of the valve ball 82 is in sealing engagement with the surface 124 of the composite seat I10. When the valve ball 82 is in the closed position, a pressure differential is established across the valve ball 82. Since the second and third valve stems 90 and 98 are joumaled in the valve body, the thrust created by this pressure differential will be carried by the valve body 64, rather than the seats, which will prevent premature wearing of the seats, and is desirable in some applications involving the control of fluid flow.

EMBODIMENTS OF FIGS. 3 THROUGH 8 A modified valve assembly 100 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and basically comprises a modified housing unit 12a anda modified valve unit Ma. The housing unit 120 and the valve unit 140 are constructed exactly like the housing unit 12'and the valve unit 14, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except as described below. I I

A first valve stem 50a is joumaled in the aperture 46a of the housing 284. The first valve stem 50a is constructed exactly like the first valve stem 50, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except that there is no flange portion on the lower end portion thereof, but rather the lower portion of the first valve stem 50a has a generally hexagonal-shaped cross section, and the lowermost end portion of the lower portion 130 is tapered to an apex 132. The first valve stem 50a is thus sized such that it can be inserted downwardly through the aperture 460, and in the assembled position, the lower end portion 130 thereof extends a distance into the slot 44 in the housing 280. The valve stem 50a is therefore of the type generally known in the art as a drop stern.

As may be observed more clearly in FIG. 4, the housing 28a of the housing unit 12a does not have a flange portion with holes provided therethrough to accommodate the bolts 40. The housing 28a has an outer periphery which is sized such that when the housing unit 12a is disposed between the flanges l6 and 18 and assembled therebetween by the bolts 40, the bolts 40 will extend about and contact the outer periphery of the housing 28a, thereby providing support for the valve assembly 10a. The aperture 46a of the housing 28a does not have a downwardly facing surface similar to the surface 48 in the aperture 46, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This downwardly facing surface is not necessary in this embodiment since the valve stem 50a is of the drop stern type, as described above.

The valve body 64a is constructed exactly like the valve body 64, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except the valve body 64a is split along a vertical centerline which intersects the upper and lower apertures 78a and 80a therein. As shown more clearly in FIGS. 5 and 6, the valve body 64a therefore comprises two separate side components 134 and 136, having mating surfaces 138 and 140 formed thereon. A portion of the apertures 78a and 80a is fonned in the side body components 134, and the remaining portion of the apertures 78a and 80a is formed in the side body component 136.

There are no apertures in the valve ball 82a similar to the upper and lower apertures 86 and 88 in the valve ball 82, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A second valve stem '142 is formed on the exterior surface of the upper portion of the valve ball 82a and extends upwardly through the aperture 780 in the valve body 64a, and is joumaled therein. A recess 144 is formed in the upper end 146 of the second valve stem 142. The recess 144 is sized to matingly fit the hexagonally shaped lower end portion 130 of the first valve stem 50a when the valve assembly 10a is in an assembled position, and thereby provide an interconnection therebetween. The turning movement of the first valve stem 50a is transmitted through this interconnection to the valve ball 820.

A third valve stem 148 is formed on the exterior surface of the lower portion of the valve ball 82a and extends downwardly through the aperture 80a in the valve body 64a, and is joumaled therein. A conical-shaped portion 150 is formed on the lowermost end portion 152 of the third valve stem 148, and has an end point or apex 154.

It is apparent from the foregoing that the significant differences between the valve assembly 10a, shown in FIGS. 3 through 8, and the valve assembly 10, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, are that the valve assembly 10a has a valve ball wherein the valve stems extending therefrom are formed integral with the valve ball, and the valve body has been split into two separate components to facilitate the assembly of the valve assembly 100, as will be described in greater detail below.

OPERATION OF FIGS. 3 THROUGH 8 The valve unit 14a of the valve assembly 100 is assembled by placing the separate side components 134 and 136 of the valve body 644, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, about the valve ball 82a such that the aperture 78a, which is partly formed in the side component 134 and partly formed in the side com ponent I36, matingly fits about the second valve stem I42, and the aperture 80a, which is partly formed in the side com ponent 134 and partly formed in the side component I36, mating fits about the third valve stem 148. In this position, as

shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. the mating surfaces 138 and 140 of the side components 134 and 136 abut, and the second and third valve stems 142 and 148 are journaled in the apertures 78a and 80a The composite seat 110 is then molded to the valve body 64a, in a manner similar to that described with respect to the valve assembly 10, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The surfaces 116 and 122 will sealingly engage the second and third valve stems I42 and 148, and the interior surface 124 of the seat 110 will sealingly engage the exterior surface of the valve ball 82a. The seat 110 will therefore form a fluidtight seal around the valve ball 82a and between the flanges 16 and 18 and the valve body 640, in a manner similar to that described hereinbefore with respect to the valve assembly 10.

The valve unit 140, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, is then slid lengthwise into the housing 280, to a position wherein the second valve stem 142 is aligned with the aperture 460 of the housing 280. In this position, the first valve stem 50a is inserted downwardly through the aperture 46a. and is oriented such that the lower portion 130 of the first valve stem 50a matingly fits into the recess 144 of the second valve stem 142, thereby providing the interconnection therebetween.

The flanges 16 and 18 are then secured on the opposite ends of the valve assembly 100, and the valve assembly is held in an assembled relationship by the bolts 40, which extend through the flanges 16 and i8 and contact the outer periphery of the housing 28a.

It is apparent from the foregoing that the valve assembly 10a retains all of the advantages of the valve assembly 10, and in addition provides an insertable valve unit wherein the valve stems are formed integral with the valve ball, and wherein the first valve stem may be inserted downwardly through the housing.

EMBODIMENTS OF FIGS. 9 AND I The modified valve assembly 10b shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is constructed similar to the modified valve assembly 10a, shown in FIGS. 3 through 8. The housing unit 12b is constructed exactly like the housing unit 12a except the housing 28b of the housing unit 12b has a pair of flange portions 160 extending outwardly from the housing 28b, and near the upper portion thereof. Each flange portion 160 has an aperture 162 extending therethrough.

The lower portion of the first valve stem 50b extends a distance into the slot 44 of the housing 28!: and terminates with a lower end 164 thereof. A recess 166, having a generally hexagonally shaped cross section, is fonned in the lower end 164. The upper portion 168 of the second valve stem l42b has a generally hexagonally shaped cross section, and the uppermost end portion thereof is tapered to an apex 170. The upper portion 168 of the second valve stem 142b is shaped to matingly fit in the recess 166 in the first valve stem 50b, thereby providing the interconnection therebetween.

The valve body 64b is constructed exactly like the valve body 640 except the valve body 64b is split into two separate body components along a horizontal centerline of the valve body 64b, thereby providing upper and lower body components 172 and 174. The upper and lower valve body components 172 and 174 have end surfaces 176 and 178, which in an assembled, as shown more clearly in FIG. 10, matingly abut, in a manner similar to the mating surfaces 138 and 140 ofthe valve assembly 100.

OPERATION OF FIGS 9 AND 10 The valve assembly 10b will operate similar to the valve assembly 10a. The upper body component 172 is disposed over the valve ball 82a, such that the second valve stem 142b extends upwardly through the aperture 78 in the upper body component 172v The lower valve body component 174 is then disposed over the valve ball 820, such that the third valve stem 148 extends through the aperture 80 in the lower component 174, and the surfaces 176 and 178 of the upper and lower body components 172 and 174 matingly abut. The seat is then molded to the valve body 64b in a manner exactly like that described with respect to the valve assembly 100.

The valve unit 14b is then slid lengthwise into the housing 28b, and the first valve stem 50b is inserted downwardly through the aperture 46a, and oriented such that the upper portion 168 of the second valve stem 14217 matingly fits into the recess 166 of the first valve stem 50b, thereby providing the interconnection therebetween.

The flanges 16 and 18 are disposed on opposite ends of the valve assembly 10b, and the assembly is held in assembled relationship by the bolts 40. Two of the bolts 40 will extend through the apertures in the flanges l6 and 18, and through the respective apertures 162 in the flange portions 160, and the remaining bolts 40 will extend through the apertures in the flanges 16 and 18, and about and adjacent the outer periphery of the housing 28b.

The composite seat 110 will isolate the housing unit 14b from the fluid flowing through the valve assembly 10b in a manner exactly like that described hereinbefore with respect to the valve assembly 10a.

It is therefore apparent that the valve assembly 10b will retain all of the advantages of the valve assembly 10a, and yet provides a valve body which is split in a slightly different manner which may be more useful or economical to manufacture in some sizes or for some applications of the valve assembly.

EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 11 AND 12 Another valve assembly, which is constructed in accordance with the invention, is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and is designated by the general reference character 200. The valve assembly 200 basically comprises a housing unit 202 and a valve unit 204.

The housing unit 202 and the valve unit 204 are disposed generally between a pair of flanges 206 and 208. Each of the flanges 206 and 208 includes an end face 210 or 212, and a threaded opening 214 or 216, respectively. The threaded. openings 214 and 216 are axially aligned and sized to receive the threaded ends of adjacent sections of a conduit (not shown). A plurality of apertures 318 and 222 are formed in the flanges 206 and 208 to accommodate a plurality of bolts 224, which extend therethrough. Each of the bolts 224 is provided with a pair of threaded nuts 226 that engage the flanges 206 and 208.

The housing unit 202 includes a tubular housing 228 having opposite end faces 230 and 232, and a bore 234 extending therethrough. A pair of counterbores 236 and 238 are formed in the housing 228, and intersect the end faces 230 and 232, respectively. The counterbores 236 and 238 form annular walls 240 and 242, respectively, in the housing 228.

An aperture 244 extends transversely through the housing 228 and intersects the bore 234 thereof. A counterbore 246 is formed in the aperture 244 adjacent and intersecting the bore 234 of the housing 228. The counterbore 246 forms a downwardly facing surface 248 which encircles the aperture 244.

A first valve stem 250 is journaled in the housing 228 and extends through the aperture 244. Thus the centerline of the first valve stem 250 extends at a right angle to the centerline of the bore 234 of the housing 228. The first valve stem 250 includes a lower flange portion 252, having a slot 253 therethrough. The lower flange portion forms an upwardly facing surface 254 encircling the first valve stem 250. The lower portion 252 is sized to slidingly fit in the counterbore 246 of the aperture 244, and in an assembled position as shown in FIG. 11, the lower flange portion 252 will extend a distance into the counterbore 246.

An O-ring seal 256 is disposed in the counterbore 246 generally between the downwardly facing surface 248 of the housing 228 and the upwardly facing surface 254 of the lower flange portion 252. In an assembled position the O-ring seal 256 is compressed between the lower flange portion 252 and the downwardly facing surface 248. and forms a fluidtight seal therebetween. The engagement of the lower flange portion 252 of the first valve stem 250 with the O-ring seal 256 in the counterbore 246 limits the upward movement of the first valve stem 250 in the aperture 244.

The upper portion (not shown) of the first valve stem 250 is adapted to receive and cooperate with a valve handle or other suitable operator (not shown) for turning the valve stern 250 of the housing unit 202 and thereby rotating the valve member from a fully open to a fully closed position. The upper portion of the first valve stem 250 and the corresponding upper portion of the housing 228 are exactly like the upper portion 56 and the upper portion of the housing 28, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, therefore need not be illustrated, and no further description is necessary.

The valve unit 204 includes a valve body 266 which basically comprises a pair of side body components 268 and 270. Each side body component 268 and 270 has an outer periphery 272 which is sized to slidingly fit into one of the counterbores 236 or 238, respectively, of the housing 228. Each side body component 268 and 270 also has end face 274 or 276, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1 1, the side body component 268 is disposed in the counterbore 236, and the side body component 270 is disposed in the counterbore 238 of the housing 228. The walls formed by the counterbores 236 and 230 limit the inward, axial movement, and position each side body component 268 and 270 with respect to the housing 228.

Upper and lower flange portions 280 and 282 are formed on each side body component 268 and 270, and each flange portion 280 and 282 extends generally perpendicularly from each side body component 268 and 270. In an assembled position, as shown in FIG. 11, each flange portion 280 and 282 extends a distance axially into the bore 234 of the housing 228, and each flange portion 280. and 282 is positioned on its respective side body component 268 or 270, such that when the side body components 268 and 270 are in the assembled position, the flange portions 280 and 282 will not contact the housing 228. As shown in FIG. ill, and more clearly in FIG. 12, a portion of an aperture 288 is formed in each of the upper flange portions 280 at the free end thereof. A portion of an aperture 290 is formed in each of the lower flange portions 282at the free end thereof.

Each side body component 268 and 270 includes a bore 284 which extends axially therethrough, and a counterbore 286 is formed in each bore 284. An additional counterbore 287 is formed each bore 284 generally adjacent the counterbore 286 formed therein.

A valve ball member 292 is disposed generally between the side body components 268 and 270. The valve ball 292 has a port H94 extending therethrough. When the valve ball 292 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 11, the port 294 of the valve ball 292 is axially aligned with the threaded openings 214 and 216 of the flanges 206 and 208 respectively. A second valve stem 296 is formed on the exterior surface of the upper portion of the valve ball 292. and extends upwardly therefrom. A rectangular end 298 is formed on the uppermost end portion of the second valve stem 296, and is shaped to interconnectingly fit in the slot 253 of the first valve stem 250 when the valve assembly 200 is in an assembled position. The outer periphery of the second valve stem 298 is sized to joumally fit between the aperture portions 288 of each upper flange portion 280. As shown moreclearly in FIG. l2, the aperture por tion 288 of each flange portion 280 encircles a portion of the second valve stem 296.

A third valve stem 300 is formed on the lower portion of the valve ball 292 and extends generally downwardly therefrom. The outer periphery of the third valve stem 300 is sized to journally fit between the aperture portions 290 of each lower flange portion 282 of each side body component 268 and 270. Each aperture portion 290 will encircle a portion of the third valve stem 300.

A seat assembly 302 is disposed in the respective counterbore 286 of each side body component268 and 270. Each seat assembly includes a seat ring 304, having a valve member end 306 and a nonvalve member end 308, which is sized to slidingly fit in the counterbore 286 of the respective side body component 268 or 270. An axial flange portion 310, having a nonvalve member end 312, is formed on the nonvalve member end 308 of each seat ring 302, and extends axially into the bore 284 of the respective side body component 268 or 270. The outer periphery of each flange portion 310 is sized to provide a sliding fit in the respective bore 284.

A seating surface 314 is formed on the valve member end 306 of each seat ring 304, and in a preferred form, the seating surface 314 is shaped to matingly and seatingly fit the exterior surface of the valve ball 292. A groove 316 is formed in the surface 314 of each seat ring 304, and a-seal member 318 is disposed in each groove 316. The seal member 318 of each seat ring 304 extends beyond the surface 314, and is sized to sealingly engage the valve ball 292.

An O-ring seal 320 is disposed in each counterbore 287, and

each O-ring 320 is sized to sealingly engage each respective OPERATION OF FIGS 11 AND 12 The valve assembly 200 will operate similar to the valve assemblies described before. The O-ring seal 256 is disposed in the counterbore 246, and the first valve stem is inserted upwardly through the apertures 244 in the housing 228. The first valve stem 250 is positioned such that the lower flange portion 252 thereof compresses the O-ring 256 into sealing engagement with the housing 228 and the first valve stem 250. The handle is then connected to the upper portion of the first valve stem 250 in a manner exactly like the handle 54 and the first valve stem 50 of the valve assembly 10. The first valve stem 250 is turned to a position wherein the slot 253 is axially aligned with the bore-234 in the housing 228.

One of the seat assemblies 302 is disposed in the counterbore 286 of each side body component 268 and 270. The side body component 268, including the seat assembly 302 is inserted lengthwise into the bore 234 of the housing 228, to a position wherein the side body component 268 is partially disposed in the counterbore 236 and the end face 276 thereof abuts the annular wall 240 formed by the counterbore 236. In this position, the end face 274 of the side body component 268 projects axially beyond the end face 230 of the housing 228.

The valve ball 292 is then partially supported in the side body component 270 such that the outer'periphery thereof is adjacent the seating surface 314 of the respective seat assembly 302. In this position, a portion of the second valve stem 296 is disposed in the aperture portion 288 of the side body component 270, and a portion of the third valve stem 300 is disposed in the aperture portion 282 of the side body component 270.

The side body component 270, the seat'assembly 302 and the valve ball 292 are then inserted lengthwise into the bore 234 of the housing 228, to a position wherein the side body component 270 is partially disposed in the counterbore 238 and the end face 276 thereof abuts the annular wall 242 formed by the counterbore 238. In this position, the end face 274 of the side body component 270 projects axially beyond the end face 232 of the housing 228.

The valve ball 292 is of course carried by the side body component 270 as the side body component 270 is insertec lengthwise into the housing to an assembled position a:

described above. The rectangular end 298 of the second valve stem 296 will interconnectingly fit into the slot 253 of the first valve stem 250, and the aperture portions 288 and 290 of the side body component 268 will encircle a portion of the second valve stem 296 and the third valve stem 300, respectively. The side body components 268 and 270 and the respective flange portions 380 and 282 thereof are sized such that in the assembled position, the ball 292 is joumally disposed between the two side body components 268 and 270.

In the assembled position, the exterior surface of the valve ball 292 will seatingly and sealingly engage the seat assemblies 302.

The flange 206 is disposed on one end of the valve assembly 200 such that the end face 210 thereof abuts the end face 274 of the side body component 268, and the flange 208 is disposed on the opposite side of the valve assembly 200 such that the end face 212 thereof abuts the end face 274 of the side body component 270. Since the end faces 274 of the side body components 268 and 270 project axially beyond the respective end faces 230 and 232 of the housing 228, the end faces 210 and 212 of the flanges 206 and 208 will not abut the end faces 230 and 232 when the valve assembly 200 is in the assembled position. The purpose of having this particular type of construction is to reduce the tolerance requirements which would be present ii'the end faces were coplanar, and therefore reduce the machining time and the cost of the manufacture. The seal gaskets 37:2 and 324 are disposed between the flanges 206 and 208, respectively, and the respective side body component 268 or 270, thereby preventing the leakage of fluid therebetween. The valve assembly 200 is then secured in the assembled relationship by the bolts 224 and the nuts 226.

The valve assembly 200 as shown in FIG. 11, is in the open position, that is in the position wherein the port 294 of the valve ball 292 is axially aligned with the threaded openings 214 and 216 of the flanges 206 and 208, respectively. In this position, fluid will of course flow through the valve assembly 200. When the valve ball 292 is rotated or turned to the closed position, that is the position wherein the port 294 is at a right angle to the threaded openings 214 and 216 of the flanges 206 and 208, by turning the handle or valve operator connected to the first valve stem 250. This turning movement is transmitted to the valve ball 292 via the interconnection between the first valve stem 250 and the second valve stem 296.

In the closed position the seat assemblies 302 cooperate with the side body components 268 and 270 to form a fluidtight seal thereby preventing the passage of fluid through the valve assembly 200. The seal members 318 of the seat assemblies 302 will sealingly engage the exterior surface of the valve ball 292, and form a fluidtight seat therebetween. The O-ring 320 disposed in the side body components 268 and 270 will sealingly engage the respective seat assembly 302 and the respective side body component 268 or 270, thereby forming a fluidtight seal therebetween.

It is apparent from the foregoing, that the valve assembly 200 retains the advantages of the valve assemblies described hereinbefore, in that the valve assembly 200 provides a valve assembly having an insertable valve unit wherein the valve ball is journaled in the valve body.

It should be noted that since the side body components 268 and 270 do not matingiy abut, the side body components 268 and 270 do not require mating surfaces similar to the mating surfaces 138 and 140 of the valve assembly a, shown in FIGS. 3 through 8. Therefore the tolerance requirements of the side body components 268 and 270 is correspondingly reduced, thereby reducing the cost of manufacture.

The upper and lower flange portions 280 and 282 of each side body component 268 and 270 are positioned such that they do not contact the housing 228 when the valve assembly 200 is in an assembled position. Each side body component 268 and 270 will contact only the walls formed by the counterbores 236 and 238 of the housing 228. Therefore, only a small portion of the valve body 266 need be sized to provide a sliding fit with the housing 228, and the cost of manufacture is reduced. It should be further noted that since the contact area between the valve body and the housing is reduced to a minimum the ease with which the valve body 266 may be assembled and disassembled with respect to the housing unit 202 is increased, and is not appreciably affected by corrosion which may occur between the valve body and the housing.

EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 13

The valve assembly 200a, shown in FIG. 13, is constructed in the same manner as the valve assembly 200, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, except that the outer peripheries of the upper and lower flange portions 280a and 2820 of each side body component 268a and 270a are each sized and positioned to provide a sliding fit in the bore 234 of the housing 228.

OPERATION OF FIG. 13

The valve assembly 200a will operate exactly like the valve assembly 200, the salient differences being that since the flange portions 280a and 282a are sized to provide a sliding fit in the bore 234 of the housing 228, the housing 228 will provide additional support for the valve unit 204, which may be desirable in some applications or where the size of the valve assembly becomes large.

It is apparent from the foregoing, that the present invention provides a valve assembly, having an insertable valve unit, wherein the valve ball is journaled in the valve body. The valve assembly as described above may be quickly and easily assembled or disassembled thereby facilitating field repairs.

Changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts or elements of the various embodiments as disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim is:

1. A valve assembly for controlling the flow of fluid between a pair of aligned pipe flanges interconnected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bolts, comprising:

a housing unit including:

a housing having opposite end faces and a bore extending therethrough communicating with the end faces, and adapted to be supported between said flanges by said bolts; and

a first valve stem having an upper and lower end, journaled in the housing such that the stem axes intersects the housing bore; and

a valve unit, including:

a valve body having a bore therein communicating with the opposite ends of the valve body, said valve body being adapted to be inserted into the housing such that the housing bore and valve body bore extend substantially unidirectionally;

means sealing the opposite ends of the valve body to the flanges to direct the flow of fluid from the pipe flanges through the bore in the valve body;

a ball valve member, having a port therethrough, supported in the bore of the valve body for opening and closing the valve assembly;

a second valve stem having an upper and a lower end, said second valve stem being secured to the valve ball member and journaled in the valve body, and being adapted to be connected to the first valve stem when the valve unit is inserted in the housing unit for transmitting movement of the first valve stem to the valve ball member;

a third valve stem, having an upper and a lower end, said third valve stem being secured to the valve ball member and journaled in the valve body, the second valve stem and the third valve stems being disposed such that the thrust resulting from a pressure differential being applied across the valve ball member is carried by the valve body; and

seat means providing a seal between the valve body and the valve member when the valve member is moved to a closed position.

2. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the first valve stem includes a slot in the lower end thereof, and wherein the upper end portion of the second valve stem is shaped to matingly fit in said slot when the valve unit is inserted into the housing unit.

3. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the centerline of the first valve stem extends at a right angle to the centerline of the bore in the housing.

4. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the first valve stem includes a recess in the lower end thereof, and wherein the upper end portion of the second valve stem is shaped to matingly and interconnectingly fit in said recess.

5. The valve assembly of claim 4 wherein the recess in the first valve stem has a generally hexagonally shaped cross sectron.

6. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the valve ball includes, an upper and a lower aperture, each of the upper and lower apertures extending through the valve body intersecting the exterior surface and the port thereof, said lower aperture being radially aligned with said upper aperture; and wherein the lower end portion of the second valve stem is sized to be extended a distance into said upper aperture and secured therein; and wherein the upper end portion of the third valve stem is sized to be extended a distance into said lower aperture and secured therein.

7. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the outer periphery of the valve body is sized to matingly and slidingly fit into the bore in the housing.

8. The valve assembly of claim 7 wherein the valve body has a generally circular-shaped cross section.

9. The valve assembly of claim 7 wherein the housing substantially encompasses the valve body when the valve body is inserted into the housing.

10. The valve assembly of claim 9 wherein the valve body is split along the vertical centerline thereof, thereby forming a pair of side body components, each side body component having a surface thereon shaped to matingly abut the corresponding surface of the other side body component when the valve unit is in the assembled position.

ll. The valve assembly of claim 10 wherein each side body component has a portion of an upper aperture formed therethrough intersecting the respective mating surface thereof; and a portion of a lower aperture formed therethrough also intersecting the respective mating surface thereof, said upper and lower aperture portions being aligned and sized to journally fit about a portion of the second and third valve stems, respectively when the valve unit is in an assembled position.

12. The valve assembly of claim 9 wherein the valve body is split along the horizontal centerline thereof forming an upper and a lower body component, each of said body components having a surface thereon shaped to matingly abut the other side body component when the valve unit is in the assembled position.

13. The valve assembly of claim 12 wherein the upper body component includes an upper aperture therethrough, said upper aperture being'sized and positioned to journally fit about a portion of the second valve stem; and wherein the lower body component includes a lower aperture therethrough, said lower aperture being aligned with said upper aperture and sized and positioned to journally fit about a portion of the third valve stem.

14. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the second valve stem is formed integral with the valve ball and extends from seat includes a air of surfacesthereon, one of said surfaces being sized an shaped to sealingly engage a portion of the second valve stem, and the other of said surfaces being sized and shaped to sealingly engage a portion of the third valve stem.

17. The valve assembly of claim 15 wherein the composite seat includes opposite end faces sized and shaped to sealingly engage the end faces of the respective flanges to prevent leakage of fluid therebetween.

18. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the valve body includes a pair of side body components, each side body component having an outer periphery and opposite end faces, an upper and lower flange portion is formed on one end face of each of the side body components, the upper and lower flange portions of each side body component being sized and shaped to journally support the ball valve therebetween, when the valve body is in the assembled position.

19. The valve assembly of claim 18 wherein each upper flange portion of each side body component includes a portion of an aperture intersecting one end thereof, each aperture portion being sized to journally fit about a portion of the second valve stem; and wherein each lower flange portion of each side body component includes a portion of an aperture intersecting one end thereof sized to journally fit about a portion of the third valve stem.

20. The valve assembly of claim 18 wherein the housing includes a counterbore in each end thereof intersecting the respective end face of the housing; and wherein the outer periphery of each side body component is sized to slidingly fit in one of said counterbores in the housing, thereby axially locating each side body component in the housing.

21. The valve assembly of claim 20 wherein the upper and lower flange portions of each side body component are positioned, so that in an assembled position the flange portions will not contact the housing.

22. The valve assembly of claim 20 wherein the upper and lower flange portions are sized to slidingly contact the housing when the side body components are in an assembled position, so that the flange portions are supported by the housing.

23. The valve assembly of claim 20 wherein each side body component is sized to extend axially beyond the respective end of the housing, so that in an assembled position the end face of each respective flange will abut the end face of each respective side body component. 

1. A valve assembly for controlling the flow of fluid between a pair of aligned pipe flanges interconnected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bolts, comprising: a housing unit including: a housing having opposite end faces and a bore extending therethrough communicating with the end faces, and adapted to be supported between said flanges by said bolts; and a first valve stem having an upper and lower end, journaled in the housing such that the stem axes intersects the housing bore; and a valve unit, including: a valve body having a bore therein communicating with the opposite ends of the valve body, said valve body being adapted to be inserted into the housing such that the housing bore and valve body bore extend substantially unidirectionally; means sealing the opposite ends of the valve body to the flanges to direct the flow of fluid from the pipe flanges through the bore in the valve body; a ball valve member, having a port therethrough, supported in the bore of the valve body for opening and closing the valve assembly; a second valve stem having an upper and a lower end, said second valve stem being secured to the valve ball member and journaled in the valve body, and being adapted to be connected to the first valve stem when the valve unit is inserted in the housing unit for transmitting movement of the first valve stem to the valve ball member; a third valve stem, having an upper and a lower end, said third valve stem being secured to the valve ball member and journaled in the valve body, the second valve stem and the third valve stems being disposed such that the thrust resulting from a pressure differential being applied across the valve ball member is carried by the valve body; and seat means providing a seal between the valve body and the valve member when the valve member is moved to a closed position.
 2. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the first valve stem includes a slot in the lower end thereof, and wherein the upper end portion of the second valve stem is shaped to matingly fit in said slot when the valve unit is inserted into the housing unit.
 3. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the centerline of the first valve stem extends at a right angle to the centerline of the bore in the housing.
 4. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the first valve stem includes a recess in the lower end thereof, and wherein the upper end portion of the second valve stem is shaped to matingly and interconnectingly fit in said recess.
 5. The valve assembly of claim 4 wherein the recess in the first valve stem has a generally hexagonally shaped cross section.
 6. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the valve ball includes, an upper and a lower aperture, each of the upper and lower apertures extending through the valve body intersecting the exterior surface and the port thereof, said lower aperture being radially aligned with said upper aperture; and wherein the lower end portion of the second valve stem is sized to be extended a distance into said upper aperture and secured therein; and wherein the upper end portion of the third valve stem is sized to be extended a distance into said lower aperture and secured therein.
 7. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the outer periphery of the valve body is sized to matingly and slidingly fit into the bore in the housing.
 8. The valve assembly of claim 7 wherein the valve body has a generally circular-shaped cross section.
 9. The valve assembly of claim 7 wherein the housing substantially encompasses the valve body when the valve body is inserted into the housing.
 10. The valve assembly of claim 9 wherein the valve body is split along the vertical centerline thereof, thereby forming a pair of side body components, each side body component having a surface thereon shaped to matingly abut the corresponding surface of the other side body component when the valve unit is in the assembled position.
 11. The valve assembly oF claim 10 wherein each side body component has a portion of an upper aperture formed therethrough intersecting the respective mating surface thereof; and a portion of a lower aperture formed therethrough also intersecting the respective mating surface thereof, said upper and lower aperture portions being aligned and sized to journally fit about a portion of the second and third valve stems, respectively when the valve unit is in an assembled position.
 12. The valve assembly of claim 9 wherein the valve body is split along the horizontal centerline thereof forming an upper and a lower body component, each of said body components having a surface thereon shaped to matingly abut the other side body component when the valve unit is in the assembled position.
 13. The valve assembly of claim 12 wherein the upper body component includes an upper aperture therethrough, said upper aperture being sized and positioned to journally fit about a portion of the second valve stem; and wherein the lower body component includes a lower aperture therethrough, said lower aperture being aligned with said upper aperture and sized and positioned to journally fit about a portion of the third valve stem.
 14. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the second valve stem is formed integral with the valve ball and extends from the exterior surface of the valve ball; and wherein the third valve stem is formed integral with the valve ball and extends from the exterior surface of the valve ball, said third valve stem being radially aligned with said second valve stem.
 15. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the seat means includes a composite seat molded to the inner periphery of the valve body having a surface thereon shaped to sealingly engage the valve ball.
 16. The valve assembly of claim 15 wherein the composite seat includes a pair of surfaces thereon, one of said surfaces being sized and shaped to sealingly engage a portion of the second valve stem, and the other of said surfaces being sized and shaped to sealingly engage a portion of the third valve stem.
 17. The valve assembly of claim 15 wherein the composite seat includes opposite end faces sized and shaped to sealingly engage the end faces of the respective flanges to prevent leakage of fluid therebetween.
 18. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the valve body includes a pair of side body components, each side body component having an outer periphery and opposite end faces, an upper and lower flange portion is formed on one end face of each of the side body components, the upper and lower flange portions of each side body component being sized and shaped to journally support the ball valve therebetween, when the valve body is in the assembled position.
 19. The valve assembly of claim 18 wherein each upper flange portion of each side body component includes a portion of an aperture intersecting one end thereof, each aperture portion being sized to journally fit about a portion of the second valve stem; and wherein each lower flange portion of each side body component includes a portion of an aperture intersecting one end thereof sized to journally fit about a portion of the third valve stem.
 20. The valve assembly of claim 18 wherein the housing includes a counterbore in each end thereof intersecting the respective end face of the housing; and wherein the outer periphery of each side body component is sized to slidingly fit in one of said counterbores in the housing, thereby axially locating each side body component in the housing.
 21. The valve assembly of claim 20 wherein the upper and lower flange portions of each side body component are positioned, so that in an assembled position the flange portions will not contact the housing.
 22. The valve assembly of claim 20 wherein the upper and lower flange portions are sized to slidingly contact the housing when the side body components are in an assembled position, so that the flange portions are supported by the housing.
 23. The valve assembly of claim 20 wherein eAch side body component is sized to extend axially beyond the respective end of the housing, so that in an assembled position the end face of each respective flange will abut the end face of each respective side body component. 